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Budget Turntable For Low Output Moving Coil ???



Hi-

I would like to get Denon 103-R with the new model of the aluminum Midas shell. I own a good tube phono pre- amplifier for this cartridge (Jolida JD9) but I need a new turntable.

What would be the least expensive option that I could get good sound out of the Denon?

A gentlemen whose opinion I greatly respect has told me that a used version of the Rega P3 is the bottom end of turntable continuum (price wise). I do not want to make a horrible mistake, but what about one of the DJ type clones of the Technics 1200MK2?

What I am thinking of is the Numark TTX USB. It is a direct drive, but the specs on this are incredible! Low wow and flutter... and the other specs are great- Rumble: -58dB (IEC 98A Unweighted); -79dB (IEC 98A Weighted). It even has a straight tonearm. The Denon is reputed to love heavy tonearms.

Do you think it might work?

Any ideas would be appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

Karl
granat
4 responses Add your response
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,838 posts
 
used Linn Axis with Basik tonearm if you can find one.

I've had mine for 25 years, 4-5 now with the Denon DL103R (the best sounding cart I have used with it), and still going strong.
manitunc
795 posts
 
the Nemark should not be considered as a turntable for anything other than getting your vinyl on your computer through the USB port. Putting that cart on a Newmark throug a jolida is like putting lipstick on a pig. Its still a pig
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hoopster
184 posts
 
Good advise found above in both posts. You may want to also consider an 80s AR or Thorens TD 145,160, or 166. Nice ones can be found $300 to $400. My advise is to stay away from the low end Regas. Decent arms but in stock form have a crappy belt, (glorified o ring), dubious motor and cheap plastic subplatter. By the time you upgrade them you could have bought a VPI Scout. Personally I am not a fan of direct drives though many on the forum like the Technics you mention modded by KAB. I would imagine this would take it out of the budget category though.
morgenholz
61 posts
 
The used Rega P3 is your minimum. I went that route with a DL-103. From there, you can incrementally upgrade when/if needed with your first objective a Groovetracer subplatter. A P3-24 or P5, both of which can use the TT-PSU power supply, are even better. I would not take a P3 past the above mods.

I own and enjoy several japanese DDs and prefer MM or HOMC cartridges in them. Perhaps this is just tradition.
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